U.S. patent application number 13/683177 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for synchronized media hanger/guide.
This patent application is currently assigned to Source Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Marjorie Hitz. Invention is credited to Mark Allen Hitz.
Application Number | 20130126664 13/683177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48425868 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130126664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hitz; Mark Allen |
May 23, 2013 |
SYNCHRONIZED MEDIA HANGER/GUIDE
Abstract
A media hanger/guide comprising a media hub having a top surface
and a channel extending through a portion of the top surface. The
media hanger/guide further comprises two mounting brackets
positioned in the channel, each mounting bracket having an
elongated member and each elongated member having a plurality of
teeth located thereon. Each mounting bracket also has a support
member connected thereto. At least a portion of each support member
is located outside of the channel of the media hub. The support
members are adapted for lateral movement along the channel of the
media hub relative to the top surface of the media hub. The media
hanger/guide further comprises two gears positioned in the channel.
Each gear is in operable connection with the teeth of one of the
mounting bracket's elongated members. The gears are also in
operable connection with each other.
Inventors: |
Hitz; Mark Allen; (Rock
Hill, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hitz; Marjorie |
Rock Hill |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Source Technologies, LLC
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
48425868 |
Appl. No.: |
13/683177 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61562643 |
Nov 22, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/597.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2801/12 20130101;
B65H 2511/515 20130101; B65H 16/005 20130101; B65H 2403/41
20130101; B65H 2403/411 20130101; B65H 2511/51 20130101; B65H
75/241 20130101; B65H 2301/41335 20130101; B65H 16/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/597.3 |
International
Class: |
B65H 16/04 20060101
B65H016/04 |
Claims
1. A media hanger/guide comprising: a media hub having a top
surface and a channel extending through a portion of the top
surface; a first mounting bracket positioned in the channel and
having an elongated member, wherein a plurality of teeth are
located on the elongated member; a first support member connected
to the first mounting bracket, wherein at least a portion of the
first support member is located outside of the channel; a second
mounting bracket positioned in the channel and having an elongated
member, wherein a plurality of teeth are located on the elongated
member; a second support member connected to the first mounting
bracket, wherein at least a portion of the second support member is
located outside of the channel and wherein the first support member
and the second support member are adapted for lateral movement
along the channel of the media hub relative to the top surface of
the media hub; a first gear positioned in the channel and in
operable connection with the first mounting bracket's elongated
member teeth; and a second gear positioned in the channel and in
operable connection to the second mounting bracket's elongated
member teeth, wherein the first gear is in operable connection with
the second gear.
2. The media hanger/guide of claim 1, further comprising a lock
movably secured to the media hub, wherein positioning of the lock
in a first position engages the second mounting bracket thereby
securing the first support member and the second support member in
predetermined positions and positioning of the lock in a second
position disengages the second mounting bracket thereby allowing
lateral movement of the first support member and the second support
member along the media hub relative to the media hub top
surface.
3. The media hanger/guide of claim 2, wherein the lateral movement
of the first support member and the second support member along the
media hub is opposite and complimentary for maintaining the
position of a printing media substantially centered on the media
hub.
4. The media hanger/guide of claim 1, further comprising at least
one sensor located on at least one support member.
5. The media hanger/guide of claim 4, wherein the at least one
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor;
a mechanical sensor; and an electromechanical sensor.
6. The media/hanger guide of claim 4, wherein the at least one
sensor is located on the first support member.
7. The media hanger/guide of claim 1, wherein at least one support
member is foldable from a first position to a second position in
relation to the media hub.
8. The media hanger/guide of claim 7, wherein the first position of
the at least one support member is a position substantially
perpendicular to the media hub and wherein the second position of
the second member is a position substantially parallel to the media
hub.
9. The media hanger/guide of claim 8, wherein the at least one
support member is the second support member.
10. The media hanger/guide of claim 1, further comprising a
mounting bracket cover having a first aperture and a second
aperture and positioned within the channel of the media hub
partially enclosing the first mounting bracket, the second mounting
bracket, the first gear and the second gear within the media hub
and wherein the first aperture is elongated in shape and positioned
to allow lateral movement of the first support member and the
second support member along the media hub.
11. The media hanger/guide of claim 10, wherein the lateral
movement of the first support member and the second support member
along the media hub is opposite and complimentary for maintaining
the position of a printing media substantially centered on the
media hub.
12. A media hanger/guide comprising: a first mounting bracket
having an elongated member, wherein a plurality of teeth are
located on the elongated member; a first support member connected
to the first mounting bracket; a second mounting bracket having an
elongated member, wherein a plurality of teeth are located on the
elongated member; a second support member connected to the first
mounting bracket; a first gear in operable connection to the first
mounting bracket's elongated member teeth; and a second gear in
operable connection to the second mounting bracket's elongated
member teeth, wherein the first gear is in operable connection with
the second gear.
13. The media hanger/guide of claim 12, further comprising at least
one sensor located on at least one support member.
14. The media hanger/guide of claim 13, wherein the at least one
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor;
a mechanical sensor; and an electromechanical sensor.
15. The media hanger/guide of claim 12, wherein at least one
support member is foldable from a first position to a second
position in relation to the media hub.
16. The media hanger/guide of claim 15, wherein the first position
of the at least one support member is a position substantially
perpendicular to the media hub and wherein the second position of
the second member is a position substantially parallel to the media
hub.
17. A media hanger/guide comprising: a media hub having a top
surface and a channel extending through a portion of the top
surface; a first mounting bracket positioned in the channel and
having an elongated member, wherein a plurality of teeth are
located on the elongated member; a first support member connected
to the first mounting bracket, wherein at least a portion of the
first support member is located outside of the channel; a second
mounting bracket positioned in the channel and having an elongated
member, wherein a plurality of teeth are located on the elongated
member; a second support member connected to the first mounting
bracket, wherein at least a portion of the second support member is
located outside of the channel and wherein the first support member
and the second support member are adapted for lateral movement
along the channel of the media hub relative to the top surface of
the media hub; a first gear positioned in the channel and in
operable connection with the first mounting bracket's elongated
member teeth; a second gear positioned in the channel and in
operable connection to the second mounting bracket's elongated
member teeth, wherein the first gear is in operable connection with
the second gear; and a lock movably secured to the media hub,
wherein positioning of the lock in a first position engages the
second mounting bracket thereby securing the first support member
and the second support member in predetermined positions and
positioning of the lock in a second position disengages the second
mounting bracket thereby allowing lateral movement of the first
support member and the second support member along the media hub
relative to the media hub top surface, wherein the lateral movement
of the first support member and the second support member along the
media hub is opposite and complimentary for maintaining the
position of a printing media substantially centered on the media
hub.
18. The media hanger/guide of claim 17, further comprising at least
one sensor located on at least one support member.
19. The media hanger/guide of claim 18, wherein the at least one
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor;
a mechanical sensor; and an electromechanical sensor.
20. The media hanger/guide of claim 17, wherein at least one
support member is foldable from a first position to a second
position in relation to the media hub and wherein the first
position of the at least one support member is a position
substantially perpendicular to the media hub and wherein the second
position of the second member is a position substantially parallel
to the media hub.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent
application No. 61/562,643 filed Nov. 22, 2011, entitled
"Synchronized Media Hanger/Guide", the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to media hangers
utilized in copiers and printers; more specifically, to a media
hanger/guide with synchronized support members that hold media
therebetween, one of which is foldable to allow insertion of new
media without displacing the support member's position.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Printing systems such as copiers, printers, facsimile
devices or other systems having a print engine for creating visual
images, graphics, texts, etc. on a page or other printable medium
typically include various media feeding systems for introducing
original image media or printable media into the system. Examples
include direct thermal and thermal transfer demand printers.
Typically, a thermal transfer printer is a printer which prints on
media by melting a coating of ribbon so that it stays affixed to
the media on which the print is applied. It contrasts with direct
thermal printing where no ribbon is present in the process and an
image is created by application of heat to a temperature sensitive
media. Typically, thermal transfer printers comprise at least one
supply spindle operable for supplying a media web and ribbon, a
print station, and a take up spindle. New ribbon and media is fed
from the supply spindle along a predetermined media feed path to
the print station for printing and then the ribbon is wound up by
the take up spindle while the media exits the print station.
[0004] Problems with current printing systems include alignment and
compression issues along the media feed path, which may result in
faulty or defective printing. Media hangers and/or guides, also
referred to as media storage assemblies, are utilized in such
printers and associated devices so as to retain a supply of media
and ribbon and initially guide the media through the predetermined
media feed path of the printer. Heretofore, the type of media
hanger utilized in printers has been dependent upon the type and
size of media utilized. This dependency severely limits the
anticipated use of the media hanger, and the printer, to only one
media type and size. Undesirably, the lack of versatility and
configurability in accommodating varying media types and sizes
causes a need for separate printers and media guides to be
purchased if printing on various types and sizes media is desired.
Additionally, conventional media hangers require the manual
movement or manipulation of one support member at a time in order
to position a media supply media on or about an assembly. However,
such movement may result in the media being off center relative to
the media feed path.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the teachings disclosed herein,
embodiments related to a media hanger/guide are disclosed.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a configurable and
adaptable media hanger/guide operable for use within a printing
system that may be used in conjunction with a variety of media
types and sizes. Embodiments of the present invention maintain
media positioned thereon in a centered position relative to the
media feed path by providing synchronized movement of support
members located on both sides of the media in either an expansive
or compressive manner. Embodiments of the present invention also
provide an integral media sensor configured to detect media level
or media presence such that an alert to a user may be triggered or
displayed.
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the media hanger/guide includes
a media hub having a top surface and a channel extending through a
portion of the top surface. The media hanger/guide further includes
two mounting brackets, each having an elongated member and each
elongated member having a plurality of teeth located thereon. The
mounting brackets can be positioned in the channel. Each mounting
bracket includes a support member connected thereto. At least a
portion of each support member is preferably located outside of the
channel of the media hub. The support members can be adapted for
lateral movement along the channel of the media hub relative to the
top surface of the media hub. The media hanger/guide further
includes two gears positioned in the channel. The first gear is
preferably in operable connection with the teeth of one of the
mounting bracket's elongated members. The second gear is preferably
in operable connection with the teeth of the other mounting
bracket's elongated members. The gears can also be in operable
connection with each other.
[0007] In an additional exemplary embodiment, the media
hanger/guide further includes a lock movably secured to the media
hub. The lock is preferably movable between a first position and a
second position. The first position of the lock preferably engages
the second mounting bracket and thereby secures the first support
member and the second support member in a predetermined position.
The second position can disengage the second mounting bracket and
thereby allow lateral movement of the first support member and the
second support member along the media hub relative to the media
hub's top surface.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, the media hanger/guide
further includes a mounting bracket cover positioned within the
channel of the media hub. The mounting bracket cover can partially
enclose the mounting brackets and the gears within the media hub.
The mounting bracket can have elongated apertures positioned to
allow lateral movement of the support members.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the first support member is
allowed to move between a position near a first end of the media
hub and a position near the lengthwise-center of the media hub. The
second support member is allowed to move between a position near a
second end of the media hub, located opposite the first end of the
media hub, and a position near the lengthwise-center of the media
hub. The relative positions near the lengthwise-center of the media
hub can be spaced apart.
[0010] In an additional exemplary embodiment, the media
hanger/guide further includes one or more sensors located on one or
both of the support members.
[0011] In a further exemplary embodiment, one or both of the
support members can be foldable from a first position to a second
position in relation to the media hub. The first position can be a
position substantially perpendicular to the media hub. The second
position can be a position substantially parallel to the media
hub.
[0012] In a still further exemplary embodiment, the media
hanger/guide includes mounting brackets, each having an elongated
member wherein each elongated member includes a plurality of teeth
located thereon. Each mounting bracket can also have a support
member connected thereto. The media hanger/guide can further
include two gears. The first gear can be in operable connection
with the teeth of one of the mounting bracket's elongated members.
The second gear is in operable connection with the teeth of the
other mounting bracket's elongated members. The gears are
preferably also in operable connection with each other.
[0013] In an additional exemplary embodiment, the media
hanger/guide further includes one or more sensors located on one or
both of the support members.
[0014] In a further exemplary embodiment, one or both of the
support members can be foldable from a first position to a second
position in relation to the mounting brackets. The first position
can be a position substantially perpendicular to the mounting
brackets. The second position can be a position substantially
parallel to the mounting brackets.
[0015] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that
description or recognized by practicing the invention as described
herein, including the detailed description which follows, the
claims, as well as the appended drawings.
[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description present
exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide
an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character
of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are
included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and
are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification.
The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and
together with the detailed description, serve to explain the
principles and operations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present subject matter may take form in various
components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and
arrangements of steps. The appended drawings are only for purposes
of illustrating exemplary embodiments and are not to be construed
as limiting the subject matter.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media hanger/guide in an
open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a media hanger/guide in a
closed position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a media
hanger/guide installed in a print station with a media roll secured
thereon in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a media hanger/guide in a
loading position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of support member mounting
brackets of a media hanger/guide in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this
invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These
exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Further, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "a", "an", and "the" includes plural reference unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. In certain instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail.
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an expanded or
open position and FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention in a compressed or closed position, wherein media
may be inserted thereon. As shown, media hanger/guide 100, adapted
for use within a printing system (not shown), can include media hub
102. In exemplary embodiments, media hub 102 can be provided with
at least one securing screw (not shown) for mounting media hub 102
to the printing system (not shown). Media hanger/guide 100 can
further include channel 105 extending along top surface 108 of
media hub 102. Mounting bracket cover 109 having apertures 117a,
117b can be located within channel 105.
[0025] Media hanger/guide 100 can further include first support
member 103, and second support member 104. Support members 103 and
104 can be adapted for lateral movement along channel 105.
Apertures 117a, 117b can direct lateral movement of first support
member 103 and second support member 104.
[0026] One or more media sensors 106a,106b (see FIG. 4) can be
present in media hanger/guide 100. Media sensor(s) 106a and/or 106b
can be provided and located on first support member 103 and/or
second support member 104. Media sensors 106a, 106b can be adapted
to detect the presence and/or absence of media in synchronized
media hanger/guide 100 and can be in communication with control
circuitry (not shown). Media sensors 106a, 106b can be optical
sensors, mechanical sensors, or another suitable sensor as is known
in the art. The presence or absence of media, as determined by
media sensors 106a, 106b, may influence certain functions of the
print system (not shown) printer according to programming within
the control circuitry (not shown). Media sensors 106a, 106b can be
used with roll media, although use of the sensors in conjunction
with folded media or other types of media is also contemplated.
[0027] According to aspects of the present invention, at least one
optional lock 107 can be movably secured to media hub 102 for
locking first support member 103 and/or second support member 104
in a predetermined position along channel 105 of media hub 102. In
an exemplary embodiment, lock 107 can be a cam locking handle;
however, although shown in the figures as a locking handle, lock
107 may be of any type of lock capable of maintaining the position
of support member 103, 104. Lock 107 can be utilized to hold media
hanger/guide 100 in an open position as shown in FIG. 1, in a
closed position as shown in FIG. 2, or any position
therebetween.
[0028] Lock 107 can allow first support member 103 and first
support member 104 to be maintained in various positions along
channel 105 of media hub 102. Such positioning may be desirable
when using fan-fold media. Lock 107 can be rotated between a first
position and a second position. Positioning lock 107 in a first
position can secure first support member 103 and second support
member 104 in predetermined positions and positioning lock 107 in a
second position can allow lateral movement of first support member
103 and second support member 104 along channel 105 of media hub
102.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a portion of
an exemplary embodiment of media hanger/guide 100 is shown
installed in partially viewable print station 305 with media 301
secured thereon. Media 301 can be positioned on media hub 102 such
that media 301 is located between first support member 103 (not
shown) and second support member 104. With lock 107 disengaged, the
positions of first support member 103 and first support member 104
can be adjusted to the size of media 301. First support member 103
and second support member 104 can be adjusted simultaneously and
synchronously so as to center the media within the hanger/guide.
Simultaneous and synchronous adjustment will be discussed in
further detail below.
[0030] Media hanger/guide 100 can be utilized in conjunction with a
variety of media types and sizes. Although not shown, embodiments
of the present invention can be used to guide and house media of
various forms, including, but not limited to, rolled media and
fan-fold media.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of media hanger/guide 100 is shown in a loading
position. Second support member 104 can be foldable about pivot
point 410. Although pivot point 410 is illustrated as being located
at the base of second support member 104, other locations of pivot
point 410 are envisioned. The degree in which second support member
104 folds can vary from zero degree to 360 degrees. Detents (not
shown) can be provided to assist in snapping second support member
104 into a position and maintain second support member 104 in such
position. Although FIG. 3 depicts second support member 104 as
foldable, in addition or in the alternative, first support member
103 can also be foldable.
[0032] Providing one or more foldable support members can allow for
loading of media having the same size as previously loaded media
without having to move the support members. By way of non-limiting
example, if first support member 103 and second support member 104
were previously adapted to fit a certain size media, then new media
of the same size can be loaded without linear movement of the
support members along channel 105. If pivot point 410 is located at
the base of second support member 104 and if second support member
104 is foldable by approximately ninety degrees from a
substantially vertical start position, the new media roll can be
loaded onto media hub 102.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of an
exemplary embodiment of support member mounting brackets of media
hanger/guide 100 is shown. First support member 103 and second
support member 104 can be secured to, inserted into, connectable
to, or otherwise attached to first mounting bracket 512a and second
mounting bracket 512b, respectively. First mounting bracket 512a
and second mounting bracket 512b can be sized and shaped so as to
permit first support member 103 and second support member 104,
respectively, to movably slide along apertures 117a, 117b when lock
107 is disengaged and directional pressure is applied to either
support member. Movement of first mounting bracket 512a and second
mounting bracket 512b can be synchronized with one another via
varying means, including, but not limited to, a rack and dual
pinion system or other centering system as is known in the art.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, first mounting bracket 512a and
second mounting bracket 512b are synchronized utilizing a rack and
pinion system 500. First mounting bracket 512a can comprise first
mount 513a and first elongated member 514a having plurality of
teeth 515a thereon. Similarly, second mounting bracket 512b can
comprise second mount 513b and second elongated member 514b having
a plurality of teeth 515b thereon.
[0035] First gear 516a and second gear 516b can engage teeth 515a
and teeth 515b, respectively, such that when rotational motion is
applied to gear first gear 516a and second gear 516b, first
elongated member 514a and second elongated member 514b move. First
gear 516a and second gear 516b can be positioned such that they can
engage one another. In such a manner, when one of first support
member 103 or first support member 104 is adjusted, a rotational
motion is initially applied to the respective first gear 516a or
second gear 516b, causing rotational movement of the respective
opposite gear 516b or 516a and movement of both first elongated
member 514a and second elongated member 514b occurs. Adjustment of
first support member 103 and second support member 104 can be
manual and/or automatic.
[0036] First mount 513a and second mount 513b can be used for
connecting first support member 103 and second support member 104,
respectively, thereto. This support member mounting bracket system
can allow simultaneous and synchronous adjustment of first support
member 103 and second support member 104. For example, when one
support member is adjusted, the other support member is oppositely
adjusted in a simultaneous manner.
[0037] The following is an exemplary use of an embodiment of
synchronized media hanger/guide 100. If second support member 104
is in an upright position, second support member 104 can be folded
such that it is substantially parallel to media hub 102. Media roll
301 (or any other type of media) can be loaded on media hub 102.
Once media roll 301 is loaded, second support member 104 can be
positioned such that it is substantially perpendicular to media hub
102. First support member 103 and second support member 104 can be
manipulated so as to move first support member 103 and second
support member 104 toward or away from one another along media hub
102 to a desired position. Channel 105 and apertures 117 can
provide guidance and/or structural support for the movement of
first support member 103 and second support member 104 along media
hub 102. Simultaneous and synchronized movement can allow for media
301 to be centered within media guide/hanger 100. Lock 107 may be
rotated to lock first support member 103 and second support member
104 into position.
[0038] Having now described the invention, the construction, the
operation and use of exemplary embodiments thereof, and the
advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and
useful constructions, and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof
obvious to those skilled in the art, are set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *